The 49 generally recognized sovereign states listed herein include two countries that generally are classified as European or African nations but with portions of their territory being in Asia. While most of Russia's area is in Asia, it generally is classified as a European country because its capital (Moscow) and most of its population is in Europe. In addition, while Egypt extends into Asia through the Sinai Peninsula, it generally is considered an African country because most of its population and geographic area is in Africa.

A sovereign state is a political association with effective sovereignty over a population for whom it makes decisions in the national interest.[1] According to the Montevideo convention, a state must have a permanent population, a defined territory, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. It is also important to note that these states were categorized accordingly independent of our endorsement or opposition to their statehood and is based solely on their de facto and de jure statuses[2]

De-facto states with limited, but substantial, international recognition[edit]

In this list, one is a state with substantial and somewhat widespread international recognition, and UN observer-state status, but without practical control over tangible territory, while the other is a de facto state with full practical sovereignty over its territory and unofficial ties with much of the international community but is not widely recognized de jure and, as of 1971, is no longer recognized by the United Nations.

Claimed as part of the People's Republic of China. Officially recognized as the rightful government of all of China by 16 UN member states and the Holy See. However, Taiwan maintains unofficial relations with most other countries and is de-facto recognized by most sovereign states. See Political status of Taiwan for more information about the situation.

^ Area and population figures given are for the whole state, including areas located outside of Asia. Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkey all contain territory in Europe. The border between Asia and Oceania is not clearly defined, and Indonesia and East Timor are sometimes placed in Oceania.

^ abcd The area and population of states with separatist regions includes that of the separatist regions.

^ Jerusalem was declared the capital of Israel in 1950.[31] The 1980 Jerusalem Law states that "Jerusalem, complete and united, is the capital of Israel", and the city serves as the seat of the government, home to the President's residence, government offices, supreme court, and parliament.[32]United Nations Security Council Resolution 478 declared the Jerusalem Law "null and void" and called on member states to withdraw their diplomatic missions from Jerusalem.[33] Foreign countries maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities.[34]

^ Although Kuala Lumpur is the official capital of Malaysia, Putrajaya is the seat of government.[35]

^ Akrotiri and Dhekelia are British military bases, with the population including 8,000 United Kingdom personnel and dependents.[36]